Bakery recalls food after 100 become ill

A Lincolnwood wholesale and retail bakery has recalled all its food made since Nov. 1 after about 100 people who ate desserts from the business became ill in recent weeks, state health officials said.

State and federal investigators are looking into outbreaks in which people became ill after eating desserts from Rolf's Patisserie at a company event, a catered party, a restaurant and a holiday party, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Rolf's is voluntarily recalling products and working with the health department to put together a list of all businesses and other customers of Rolf's. Anyone who has bought food from Rolf's should throw it out.

Lab tests point to the baked goods being infected with high levels of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that produces toxins in foods that can make people ill. Anyone with a staph infection can contaminate food if they have an uncovered lesion or sore that comes in contact with food or food processing equipment, according to the department.

Staphyloccocal toxins can make someone sick in about a half-hour in some cases, and usually within about six hours. They can cause nasea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Anyone who has eaten food from Rolf's should contact their doctor and local health officials.